Trying to run old programs in Vista can be a pain. Microsoft have released a tool (currently in beta) that may solve this problem for you.
Microsoft Enterprise Desktop Virtualization (MED-V) lets you run legacy Win Applications on Vista, including older applications built for Windows 2000 and XP, using virtualization technology.
This is revealed in a blog post at the official MDOP Blog. You can also register for the beta at same blog.
"Our primary goal was to deliver an enterprise virtualization solution for the compatibility challenges that IT teams have with some of their line-of-business applications, during the upgrade to new operating systems (like Windows Vista)," according to the post, attributed to Ran Oelgiesser, a MED-V senior product manager.
http://www.wservernews.com/NL6RA8/090119-MED-V